Resume Format Styles. The different types of resume formats and when to best use them.

Resume Format Styles

The different types of resume formats and when to best use them.
 
  Most people don’t think about the different resume types, they either create a resume the way they think it should look or they use a sample resume and use the sample as a reference point.
Most sample resumes are formatted in chronological order, in which your most recent position is at the top and then goes in reverse order from there. This is the most popular style, but it doesn’t mean it’s the best resume format for you. Employers and recruiters prefer this format over others because it provides an easy to track snapshot of your work history, that being said. This format may be the best in format in some situations and not in others.  

Chronological The chronological resume format is a good fit if you have been working in the same field and have a solid and consistent history of moving up within that same field, but if you have worked within that same field and are trying to break into a different field of work then this would not be the best resume format to use. Other ways the Chronological resume format might not be the best format include; A) Your most recent experience does not relate to the job in which you are applying for.
B) Your resume shows that you have been at most of your positions for a year or less.
C) You are looking for entry level positions and lack a work history.
D) Your resume history has gaps between employment. If you fit into any of the categories above, then you should consider a different format options for your resume.

The Functional Formatted resume:
This resume format is organized around your experience, skills and accomplishments instead of focusing on specific jobs, by using this method you use general terms or leave out your previous titles and dates relating to your employment.
This allows you to look better suited for certain positions where a chronological resume would disqualify you immediately. You should consider this format if;
1) you are re entering the job market after a long absence and your past experience has little to do with the position you are targeting.
2) Your work history shows several positions but they do not show professional growth.
3) You are looking for an entry-level position and you do not have a lengthy amount of experience.
 
Keep in mind that using the Functional Format for a resume has both its advantages and disadvantages. The big advantage of using a Functional resume is that you place emphasis on those skills and experience in your back ground most likely to catch the attention of employers. by studying the target position and highlighting those skills that would best match the position, you place yourself in the best light to be a fit.
The reason most people use the Functional resume format is that it allows them to be creative with certain aspects of their work history, highlight key skills or hide long periods of unemployment

  The disadvantages of using a functional resume is that many recruiters, hiring managers view them with skepticism.
Most employers expect to see the specific position you held in a certain order and expect to read about each of your roles and what was expected of you in those roles with a detailed explanation. The fact that the Functional style allows you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments are still key to a potential employers, but continuity is equally important to potential employers.  

Hybrid Resume Format The third option is a combination of both the chronological and functional resume. Basically, it starts with a description of your functional skill sets, high lighting key words and qualifications employers would be looking for in a resume. The continues with a chronological employment history.
In this case try and highlight as many terms that relate to the position you are after at the top and include them whenever they fit with the chronological part as well. This hybrid resume is best used if you are;
1) looking to change careers and want to highlight the skills that would best match your new career path. it creates a seg-way into your new career by showing skills that could be transferable.
2) You are interested in a position and think you can perform the tasks needed, but your past experience and the skills necessary the new position are not strong.
3) It may also be worth trying if have had no luck with the straight chronological resume format.

Once again this type of format has its advantages and disadvantages. the big advantage of the hybrid resume is that like a functional resume it highlights early on what skill sets you can bring to the position and what you have accomplished in your past employment that can contribute as well. this format seems to diffuse most suspicions that employers may have.

The only disadvantage of a hybrid resume is that some employers and recruiters prefer the resume to be in chronological order and may think that you are trying to conceal certain parts of your employment history.

The hybrid resume is being seen more and more, and its seems to be more accepted by employers. As for resume format, you should look at where you are in your career and pick the resume format best suited to your situation. there is no real wrong or right format. certain layout work best for some and not others.

My advice would be to look at a position you are targeting and then go over your skill sets. Decide from there what would be best to highlight your experience and show your skill sets.

The bottom line is regardless of which format you choose, make sure your resume looks professional, highlights your skill sets by showing your accomplishments and not just your day to  day work. last but not least make sure your resume is targeted towards the position you want, having a great looking resume will not get you the position if it does not match the skills needed for the position. Spend time on your resume, you might want to create several versions to best suit different positions.

This is one of the most important documents you can create, remember your initial meeting with potential employers is through your resume, make it count and it pay off by generating more interest from employers.  

 I wish you all the best in your job search.

please share any comments you may have on this or any of my articles.  

Best, August Ferradeira www.getthebestjobnow.com

Image taken on 2009-04-16 10:45:27. Image Source. (Used with permission)